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Journalism of Courage
Walking a marathon is never easy. And if it’s a 50-kilometer stretch, you can imagine the plight and stamina required. In Olympics, we talk about achievements and success, but this year we saw numerous occasions where sportsmen spirit won hearts more than the medals. Remember, how American runner Abbey D’agnostino stopped midway while racing to help her fellow runner Nikkie Hamblin of New Zealand? Yes, that’s the real spirit of the Olympics of valour and resilience.
Rio Olympics on Friday witnessed such an extraordinary valour when French record holder Yohann Diniz collapsed during the 50-kilometers racewalk after complaining of severe stomach pain. Footages of the race reveal that Diniz was leading when the race had started, however, as his health deteriorated in the summer heat he stopped quite a few times before hitting the ground.
Viewers and spectators have claimed that the sportsman had soiled himself when they spotted liquid running down his legs while others also said that he may have suffered an accident as they thought they saw blood.
According to a report by AP, “the high school sports coach was stricken by stomach problems, even keeling over at one point in the heat and scorching sun before continuing, his legs wobbling like cooked spaghetti at times.”
Medical help was provided to him, after he collapsed while some believed that the athlete had fainted. Videos show him gasping for breath but after sometime, like a true sportsman he splashed some water and started his race again. Despite all odds, Diniz finished the race at seventh position.
Though initially there were some trolling on social media, later the world saluted his vigour and applauded him for continuing the race.
This is how people on Twitter reacted to his collapse and finish the race:
Fellow athletes criticised people for ridiculing Diniz
People saluted his spirit
https://twitter.com/jordanturgeon/status/766682150863147008
Some said, “too much” Olympics spirit
https://twitter.com/doctorcdf/status/766651668897431552
Others had nothing but respect for his strenghth
Some argued him to be the flag bearer
For some he was an instant Hero and inspiration
https://twitter.com/kit_messinger/status/766635358134083584
Diniz certainly finished the race like a true champion.
